The NFL draft is like the Super Bowl of the offseason. Every fan is glued to their digital screens, pouring over scouting reports, checking out the latest mock drafts, and doing their own mocks. Everyone has their opinion, and some will get a few picks right, while most of the 31 first-round selections will not.
This is my first go at a full first-round mock draft, as I prefer to wait until after a few weeks of free agency have passed. The NFL Draft is already impossible to predict, even when trying the night before but before free agency, you have a better chance of hitting the lottery than getting any picks right.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers hold top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
For example, many analysts pinned either a wide receiver or offensive lineman to the Bills at 27 but since then, they’ve signed two new offensive linemen and two new wide receivers, plus re-signed Jordan Poyer, along with Zayne Anderson and Taylor Rapp via free agency. Good luck guessing where they might go in the first round now.
We also have several quarterbacks believed to be first-round talent; however, many analysts are saying only about 15 to 18 players in this year’s NFL draft are truly first-round worthy players. This could result in a lot of trades, whether that is teams in the back half trying to move up to get one of those players or perhaps falling back because anyone they graded with a first-round grade is no longer available.
I have no doubt many people will question my picks here and some will flat-out say I have no clue what I’m doing or talking about and that’s fine. At the end of the day, this is for fun, something we all do because we don’t have actual games being played and simply need some type of football to entertain ourselves. So, with that, here is my first-round NFL mock draft.
1. Carolina Panthers: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Carolina Panthers will likely go quarterback here and they will have their choice of any in the draft. It’s no secret that the Panthers’ head coach, Frank Reich loves Richardson and is a former quarterback himself, is confident he’ll be able to develop him into a franchise quarterback in this league.
There is little doubt that Richardson is the most athletic of all the quarterbacks in the NFL draft and is considered to have the strongest arm too. Many question his accuracy and ability to play at this level though, which sounds an awful lot like another player that was equally divisive in the 2018 NFL Draft, Josh Allen.
I’m not going to sit here and say that Richardson is the next Josh Allen, but the Panthers will try to do what Coach McDermott and OC Brian Daboll did for Allen. If they can, they’ll have themselves a phenomenal franchise quarterback. If they can’t, it’ll probably cost Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer their jobs within three years.
Richardson’s final season with the Florida Gators left a lot to be desired in terms of production, amassing only 2,553 yards and 17 touchdowns; however, he added an impressive 713 yards on the ground on just 97 runs.
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Bryce Young is at the top of most analyst’s draft boards but there are still concerns about his size, 5’10” and 204 pounds. It’s very probable, even with those concerns, that he’s the number one overall selection in this NFL draft but I have him going second to the Houston Texans.
Young was very productive in his last two seasons while at Alabama, compiling over 7,800 yards and 77 touchdowns while throwing only 12 interceptions. He’s a former Heisman, Maxwell, Davey O’Brien, and Manning award winner. He’s been voted to multiple All-American teams as well.
The accolades date back to his high school days too. He was voted the MVP of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school.
The Houston Texans currently have Davis Mills sitting at the top of their quarterback depth chart. If the Texans do in fact make Young their top selection, will he start right away? Should they start him right away? I think it will come down to whether he can earn the spot or not.
I don’t think new Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans will simply hand over the reins to Young. I would expect a camp battle between him and Mills. While Young is the more talented player, the experience of Mills could keep Young on the bench, at least during his rookie season, which isn’t a bad thing.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Arizona Cardinals are starting over with first-time head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort. They have some talented players on the offensive side of the ball, starting with Kyler Murray, is he a top-five guy at the position, no but he’s still a legit signal caller in this league; however, with JJ Watt’s retirement who is going to create that pressure on the Cardinals’ defensive side.
Watt totaled 12.5 sacks a season ago and the next closest to him was defensive end, Zach Allen, with 5.5. Watt’s retirement leaves a huge hole in the Cardinals’ pass rush, enter Will Anderson Jr. Some scouts consider Anderson the best overall prospect in this draft, regardless of position.
Anderson is a three-year starter with the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he totaled 37 sacks during that span, with 29 of those coming during the last two seasons. In that same three-span, he totaled an eye-popping 200 quarterback pressures.
Will Anderson is about as close to a sure thing as an edge rusher as you’re going to find coming into the NFL. I have little doubt he’ll be right there in the conversation for defensive rookie of the year and is someone the Cardinals will be able to build their defense around.
4. Indianapolis Colts: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Indianapolis Colts have been trying to plug in has-beens at the quarterback position for the last few years. They’ve brought in Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and last season, Matt Ryan. All three have seen different levels of success in this league, but all three are well past their successful years.
Finally, the Colts get a young rookie quarterback in C.J. Stroud. He has a good height at 6’3″ and weighs about 214 pounds. Stroud saw outstanding success as a Buckeye, throwing for a total of 8,108 and 85 touchdowns. Additionally, he was either first or second in the nation for his pass efficiency rating during his two seasons.
There are some concerns with Stroud’s escapability, which ten years ago, no one would have cared about. He would have simply been labeled as a pocket passer and his escapability would not be a concern. But in today’s NFL, where coaches and GMs are watching quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Patrick Mahomes running around the field making plays, everyone wants that on their team now.
One other concern, fair or not, is that Ohio State quarterbacks have not done well in the NFL. The quarterbacks with the Buckeyes have been blessed with exceptional talent around them, including some impressive names at the wide receiver position, starting with NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson. Not to mention others, such as Chris Olave, Parris Campbell, Michael Thomas, and Terry McLaurin.
5. Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
There are no doubt a lot of questions and concerns now swirling around Jalen Carter, but the talent is undeniable. Does head coach Pete Carroll believe they can get the best out of Carter? If so, this would be a big addition to their defensive line.
Carter’s performance at his pro day was alarming, not able to complete drills due to being out of shape and winded. It was reported that he came in nine pounds more than what he weighed at the NFL Combine too. With the tragedy that resulted in the loss of a Georgia staff member and a teammate of Carter’s, you have to wonder what toll that may have on him as well.
If the off-the-field concerns are addressed and no longer an issue, there is no better defensive lineman in the NFL draft and projects as an NFL stud. He did miss five games a season ago due to an MCL injury but in 10 games he produced 20 stops and 25 total pressures.
Despite the missed time, he was voted All-SEC and a finalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award, which goes to the nation’s best defensive lineman. The question that will surround him all off-season though, is whether his mind is focused on football.
6. Detroit Lions: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Tyree Wilson has all the measurables, height, weight, and wingspan even. He projects very well as an edge rusher at the NFL level and could give the Lions a great one-two punch on their defensive line with Aiden Hutchinson on the other side.
The Lions need help on the defensive side of the ball, already have one of the better offenses in the NFL but struggled greatly to stop anyone either. Wilson could go a long way toward solving that problem.
There are some concerns with his overall speed and may struggle to get around the better tackles in the NFL, which will force him to learn and master a larger arsenal of pass-rush moves to compensate. He brings great size though, coupled with quickness and a strong ability to change directions, he should be able to use these assets to his advantage.
In his final two seasons at Texas Tech, he produced 74 total pressures but only resulted in 14 total sacks, which is where the concern with his overall speed comes into play. He can annoy the quarterback, which isn’t a bad thing, but at the next level will he be able to turn that annoyance into drive-ending sacks?
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Las Vegas Raiders are no doubt in need of a quarterback and head coach Josh McDaniels clearly wanted to get his own guy. Derek Carr is out, Jimmy Garoppolo is in. Jimmy G is a capable quarterback but in my opinion a step down or lateral move at best from Carr.
Either way, Will McDaniels allow Levis to compete right away for the starting role or maybe he has already tagged Jimmy Garoppolo as the 2023 starter and let Levis sit for a season? I don’t expect the Raiders to do too much in 2023 as far as wins go, so I would personally start the rookie right away.
Levis has good size at 6’4″ and weighs 229 pounds. He also produced a decent 40-time of 4.72. Levis also brings smarts to the table as well, having graduated high school with several offers from Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Princeton. Instead, Levis opted for Penn State; however, after three seasons and only two starts, he decided to transfer to Kentucky.
Transferring to Kentucky was the smartest decision he could have made. Once he arrived, he was handed the keys to the offense and threw for 2,827 yards on 352 attempts, while tossing 24 touchdowns. He also added another 516 yards on the ground.
In his senior year, he added 2,416 passing yards on just 286 attempts, with 19 touchdowns. His rushing yards were down considerably though, with only 116 yards on 45 runs.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Quentin Johnston is widely considered the best wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has excellent height at 6’3″ and weighs 208 pounds. At the combine, he ran a 40-time of 4.40 as well.
Johnston has all the physical skills and athleticism needed to be a great wide receiver; however, he has shown a propensity for dropping passes and scouts would have liked to have seen more production from him as well.
Additionally, he didn’t run an extensive route tree while at TCU and this is something he’ll need to show he can expand on. Still, with the physical traits, he will possibly be a top-10 selection but could also fall, given the minimal production, which is a concern.
Over his final two seasons at TCU, Johnston produced just 86 receptions for 1,505 yards and 11 touchdowns; however, despite the numbers for 2022, he was still a Fred Biletnikoff Award finalist, which goes to the FBS’s top wide receiver in the nation.
For the Falcons, adding Johnston to the mix alongside tight end Kyle Pitts and Drake London could be a solid trio, giving second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder some weapons to work with.
9. Chicago Bears: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Depending on who you ask, Devon Witherspoon is the best cornerback prospect in the draft but others will say that honor goes to Christian Gonzalez. Either way, I’ve got Witherspoon going first to the Chicago Bears.
The Bears have already made several free agent signings, as they gear up for the 2023 season, and adding a potential lockdown corner to their defense would go a long way toward a successful season. With Aaron Rodgers presumably leaving the division, the title for the NFC North is wide open.
Witherspoon has also played a significant amount of time, having logged nearly 400 snaps as a freshman, totaling 2,334 snaps over 41 career games. His senior year, opposing quarterbacks managed a minuscule quarterback rating of 24.6 when targeting Witherspoon.
Witherspoon had an incredible 2022 season, being voted to numerous All-American teams, while also being voted as the Big Ten’s defensive back of the year and the All-Big Ten first team as well.
His 2022 season graded out very similarly to that of Sauce Gardner’s 2021 season and we know how well that worked out for the New York Jets. Witherspoon would be an instant upgrade to the Bears’ secondary and arguably would be their best defensive back.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh
Calijah Kancey is 6’1″ and weighs 281 pounds, a little undersized for most but still a very productive interior defensive lineman and is considered by some scouts as the fourth-best defensive lineman in the NFL Draft.
In his last two seasons at Illinois, he produced a total of 85 quarterback pressures, resulting in 49 total hurries and 17 sacks. Eye-popping numbers for an interior defensive lineman. He was voted to multiple All-American teams and a finalist for several collegiate awards, winning the College Football Network’s National Defensive Tackle of the Year.
In 2020, Kancey’s freshman year, he was voted to the Freshman All-American teams for the Football Writers Association of America, Rivals, and The Athletic and first-team All-ACC in 2021.
The Philadelphia Eagles still have last year’s first-round pick Jordan Davis but the way this draft board lining up, Kancey is the best available and you can never have too much depth along the defensive line, plus the Eagles did lose Javon Hargrave to free agency.
The Aaron Donald comparisons are already flying in as well. With the measurables and college production similarities, I can see why, not to mention both coming from Pittsburgh. Time will tell but he projects well at the next level, even if considered undersized for the position.
11. Tennessee Titans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Some scouts have said Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the best wide receiver in this class and it’s possible he could go later in the draft than 11 overall; however, with the Titans’ need at the position, this makes the most sense.
Smith-Njigba is 6’1″ and weighs about 196 pounds. At the combine, he ran a 4.52, not blazing but adequate. Those numbers don’t really pop but he brings elite quickness and an ability to find open spots. Despite lacking elite-level speed, he’s still able to get downfield, creating separation with excellent route-running ability. He’s also solid in run blocking.
Smith-Njigba’s junior year, 2022, was cut short by a hamstring injury. The injury limited him to just three games, recording only four receptions all season. Additionally, as a freshman, he played in seven games, making ten receptions. It was his sophomore year in 2021 that was extraordinary.
In that 2021 season, Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 (Big Ten record) yards and nine touchdowns, producing the single greatest season in Big Ten history. He also set a Rose Bowl record that season with 347 receiving yards on 15 receptions, earning him MVP honors for the game.
12. Houston Texans: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Christian Gonzalez is either the top corner or second only to Devon Witherspoon, depending on who you ask. Either way, both are solid corners and will be day-one starters for their respective NFL teams.
Gonzalez is 6’1″ and weighs around 200 pounds, good size for a corner, plus he brings a 40-time of 4.38 with him. His vertical and broad jump were some of the best at the NFL Combine as well.
Gonzalez began his collegiate career with the Colorado Buffaloes but transferred to Oregon after his sophomore year in 2021. With the Ducks, he played 718 snaps, recording six pass-breakups and four interceptions. Quarterbacks had only a QB rating of 74.7 when targeting Gonzalez as well.
Gonzalez was voted to several All-Pac-12 first and second teams and made Bruce Feldman’s Freak List coming in at number 25. Feldman had this to say about Gonzalez:
"Gonzalez wowed the Ducks’ coaches this offseason with this athleticism, hitting 23.3 mph on the GPS, vertical-jumping 42 inches and power-cleaning 325 pounds. Bruce Feldman"
The one concern here is that he has only one season at Oregon of elite play. The previous two seasons at Colorado were underwhelming at best but with a new coaching staff at Oregon, they were able to get the best out of him. Is that the corner he can be at the NFL level?
13. New York Jets: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Peter Skoronski is widely considered the best offensive lineman in the NFL Draft. He’s 6’4″ and weighs 313 pounds. Throughout his three seasons at Northwestern, he allowed a total of five sacks, which spans 33 games and 2,382 career snaps.
Some believe he’s more suited to play inside at the guard position, due to his limited wingspan but still has a chance to stick at either tackle spot due to pure athleticism. Would the Jets take him this high only to play him as a guard, not likely but there have been examples of guards drafted in the top half of the draft.
https://youtu.be/0LzxoaKelzM
Regardless of where NFL teams see Skoronski, either as a guard or tackle, he’s the best pro-prospect in this draft and will be a day-one starter. He’s a plug-and-play type of player with a Jets team that will be looking to shore up their line.
Skoronski also brings a high football IQ and work ethic to the table and is the best pass blocker in the draft. He’s almost a can’t-miss prospect along the offensive line and with the struggles of Mekhi Becton to stay healthy and prove he can hold down the left tackle, Skoronski gives the Jets some insurance at the most important position on the line.
14. New England Patriots: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
Lukas Van Ness is 6’5″ and weighs 272 pounds and recorded a 40-time of 4.58. Unreal speed for a man of his size but only has two seasons under his belt with the Iowa Hawkeyes. As a freshman in 2021, he recorded 28 pressures with four sacks. In his senior year, he was equally solid pressuring the quarterback with 43 total pressures but turned that into 29 hurries and eight sacks on the year, while playing fewer snaps.
Van Ness is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten and voted to multiple second-team All-Big Ten teams as well. Additionally, he was voted a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and the Maxwell Football Club.
Van Ness also has a limited array of pass rush moves but with good coaching, can develop more moves at the NFL level.
Next Gen Stats gives him an athleticism score of 78; however, his calling card is his strength. He effectively uses a powerful bull rush to beat blockers; however, lacks quick change-of-direction ability and will need to use his hands to shed blocks better. At the next level, bull-rushing 300-plus tackles won’t get it done on a consistent basis.
15. Green Bay Packers: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Adrian Amos remains a free agent, as the Green Bay Packers have been unsuccessful thus far in resigning the safety. Drafting Brian Branch all but guarantees Amos signs elsewhere and that is a good thing for the Packers. They get a day-one starter on a rookie contract.
Green Bay could go wide receiver here to give their presumed starting quarterback Jordan Love more weapons, such as Jordan Addison but I think they stick with defense here. They haven’t drafted a first-round wide receiver in years, so why start now?
Branch would be a great addition here and the Alabama safety is considered by most to be the best and most complete safety in the NFL Draft. He is another athlete that made Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s List, stating:
"Brand, at 6 feet, 194 pounds, is a strong DB, squatting 565 and power-cleaning 335. He’s also got a lot of speed, having clocked 22.3 mph on the GPS system."
He’s solid in either man or zone coverage and is excellent in run support as well. He brings a ton of versatility to the field as well, playing in the box, nickel, corner, or deep safety. There isn’t much he can’t do.
16. Washington Commanders: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Hendon Hooker in my mind is a better prospect than Kenny Pickett was, and he was selected 20th overall in last year’s NFL Draft. This one may come as a surprise pick to some, but Hooker was a Heisman hopeful until the injury derailed his season.
Hooker has two things going against him right now, one being of course the ACL tear that occurred in November last year, the other being his age. He’s already 25 years old and some teams may steer away from him as a result.
The Commanders need a quarterback though and Hooker offers a ton of upside for a team that is willing to be patient with his rehab.
Hooker began his career at Virginia Tech and later transferred to Tennessee in 2021, which is where he took off as a collegiate quarterback. In two seasons with the Vols, he totaled 58 touchdowns through the air and passed for 6,083 yards, adding another 1,345 with his legs.
What might be more impressive though, is he threw only five interceptions combined over his final two seasons. At one point in the 2021 season, he recorded 140 passes in 2021 without a pick and upped that in 2022, tossing 261 passes at one point without an interception.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Paris Johnson Jr. started at guard as a sophomore for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he did not allow a single sack. He would make the move to left tackle his junior season in 2022, giving up only two sacks on the year. The Steelers have their young signal caller and will want to be sure to protect him going forward.
Johnson Jr. was a five-star recruit coming out of high school but only played 26 total snaps for the Buckeyes as a freshman. This may give some concern, given having only one season under his belt as a tackle but he fits the physical mold, 6’6″ and 313 pounds, more so than Skoronski to play the tackle position.
There is no question that Johnson Jr. has the measurables to succeed in the NFL and at 6’6″, has plenty of frame to add a little more bulk. He’ll need some coaching to continue developing his game at the next level and his intelligence is an asset, as well as his attitude and demeanor. He’s viewed as a very coachable player and showed that through continued growth at the collegiate level.
The one area of his game that will need more improvement is his pass blocking. He’s a dominant run blocker and has the skills and traits to develop into an equally dominant pass protector.
18. Detroit Lions: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
This year’s NFL Draft has been deemed one of the best tight end classes in years, with outstanding top-end talent, as well as solid depth and upside throughout the draft. Dalton Kincaid is one of those top-end guys, viewed as the number one tight end in the class.
With the Lions trading T.J. Hockenson a season ago, they got back a second-round selection this season and a third-rounder for next season and now have the opportunity to replace Hockenson with one of the best tight ends we’ve seen in a while, with Dalton Kincaid.
Kincaid played only one year of high school football, which landed him exactly zero offers coming out of college. He spent his first two years of collegiate ball at San Diego, later transferring to play for the Utah Utes.
Kincaid’s limited time in football in general means there is still untapped potential in this kid and we don’t know how high his ceiling might be for him. As a fifth-year senior, he recorded 70 receptions for 890 yards and eight touchdowns. Not only can he excel in the passing game but he did not give up a single pressure or sack in pass protection.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
Bryan Bresee is massive at 6’6″ but weighs “only” 298 pounds. There is room to grow for this interior defensive lineman and his only 21 years old. Adding another player like Bresee to play alongside Vita Vea, would give the Buccaneers a huge push in the middle of their line.
While Tampa Bay may have bigger needs, Bresee would be the best player available, according to many draft boards and let’s not forget, despite having Tom Brady during their Super Bowl win, it was the pass rush from the Bucs that won them that Super Bowl title.
Bresee was a high school phenom and was the number one rated high school recruit and a two-time USA Today All-American in high school. All Bresee would do his freshman year at Clemson was go on to be named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and voted to the Freshman All-American teams by The Athletic, ESPN, and Rivals.
Bresee has all the tools to be a great defensive lineman in the NFL but will need further development, having played in only 25 career games at college, equating to only 884 total snaps. He also suffered an ACL tear in 2021 and shoulder surgery in January 2022.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Nolan Smith ran a ridiculous 40-time of 4.39. He’s a 6’2″, 238-pound edge defender with all the physical traits to make a splash as a rookie pass rusher. The Seattle Seahawks, having already selected interior defensive lineman, Jalen Carter with the fifth pick, double up on the defensive line by selecting Smith 20th overall.
The Seahawks were a dominant team at one point and did so with a great running game and dominant defense. With these two first-round picks, they begin to get back to what made them great in years past.
Smith suffered a torn pectoral muscle mid-way through the 2022 season but still produced 19 pressures in eight games before the injury. As a junior two seasons ago, he played in 14 games and tallied 28 pressures, with seven sacks.
According to Next Gen Stats, he grades out with the second athleticism score among the 2023 class of edge defenders. He was also the highest-rated high school recruit in 2019.
Smith grades out very well as a run defender as well and displays excellent technique, which has served him well. He could put on a few extra pounds to help stand up stronger against the bigger guys in the NFL but with that 4.39 speed, I don’t think it’ll cost him too much in that area.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Joey Porter Jr., son of former All-Pro linebacker of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is 6’2″ and weighs over 190 pounds. No one questions the Chargers’ ability to score points but needs to strengthen the defensive side of the roster. With Porter opposite Asante Samuel Jr., this would give the Chargers an excellent duo, not to mention Derwin James is already in that secondary too.
Porter brings size and physicality to the position and he’s able to reroute receivers off the release; however, he lacks a quick change of direction and can get grabby at the top of the routes, especially when playing off the receiver.
Porter’s senior season was his best, allowing a quarterback rating of 63.6 when he was targeted, with nine pass breakups. He also recorded a 40-time of 4.46 at the combine and Next Gen Stats graded him an athleticism score of 78, ranking him 13th among the corners at the 2023 combine.
Porter has some limitations but could become a really good corner in this league. With the right coaching and development, could improve his off-coverage skills and with this size and physicality, he could be a solid match-up for some of the better tight ends in the league as well.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Baltimore Ravens have some other concerns that need to be addressed and yes, I could see them going with Zay Flowers here but ultimately, I decided on Deonte Banks, cornerback out of Maryland.
The Ravens currently starting duo Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens haven’t exactly been at the top of their game, particularly Stephens. PFF has Stephens with a 2022 grade of 52.5, while Humphrey posted an overall grade of 76.7. The Ravens need someone to challenge Stephens, enter Deonte Banks.
Banks is six feet tall and weighs nearly 200 pounds, good size to match up physically but what stood out the most with Banks is his athleticism. At the NFL Combine, he was a beast. Displayed elite speed with a 40-time of 4.35 and his 10-yard split, vertical and broad jump were some of the best at the combine. Next Gen Stats gave Banks an athleticism score of 98, tops of all the corners at the combine as well.
Banks started all four years of his career with Maryland and allowed a QB rating when targeted of 71.4 or less in his last three seasons. He has tons of experience, having played in 30 games and nearly 1500 total snaps; however, his 2020 season was cut short due to the Covid year and he suffered a shoulder injury in 2021 that limited him to just two games. He’s also only produced two interceptions throughout his career.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Zay Flowers is only 5’9″ and weighs 182 pounds but is an electric athlete, who can do very well for himself in the NFL as a slot receiver. The Minnesota Vikings lost Adam Thielen this offseason and with Justin Jefferson on the outside, Flowers would make a great addition for the Vikings in the slot.
Flowers recorded a 40-time of 4.42 at the combine and the athletic scores were solid but nothing eye-popping. Next Gen Stats gave him an overall athletic score of 76, ranking him 21st among all wide receivers from the NFL Combine.
Flowers was incredibly productive for Boston College, where he played in a whopping 47 games. He produced 29 career touchdowns on 192 receptions, with 2,999 yards. Flowers set Boston College receiving records for both single season (12) and career touchdown numbers and tied the record for receptions in a season with 78 catches his senior year.
Flowers calling card is his ability with the ball after the catch. He has tremendous start-and-stop ability and can make would-be tacklers miss in the open field. Shows off incredible shiftiness and change of direction skills as well.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Myles Murphy can add another pass-rush element to the Jacksonville Jaguars to go with Josh Allen. In this league, you have to be able to get to the quarterback. We’ve seen countless examples that prove this. Whichever team protects better or gets to the quarterback is typically the winner, in most cases.
Murphy stands at 6’5″ and weighs 268 pounds and brings a solid 40-time of 4.57. He played in 38 career games for the Clemson Tigers, producing 20 sacks as a three-year starter. He also recorded 96 pressures in that span.
Murphy has all the physical tools to be a solid edge defender for an NFL team and he also brings a non-stop motor to the field, which coaches love. He has a great first step and knows how to finish a play.
On the downside, he’ll need to learn additional rush moves to get around NFL tackles. He isn’t a twitchy type of pass rusher and relies on a bull-rush technique that worked well for him at the college level but needs to find more tools for his toolbox but having defensive veteran Allen, will help him to grow and develop as a pass rusher.
25. New York Giants: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Jordan Addison is another of the smaller, quick, and more speedy receivers in the NFL Draft. He’s 5’11” and weighs 173 pounds. He posted a 40-time of 4.49 at the combine. The measurables and athletic scores don’t jump off the page (Next Gen Stats graded him with a 66 athleticism score), yet Addison was an extremely productive player at USC.
Addison’s game has its limitation due to a lack of strength and size. His routes can be thrown off timing due to the lack of physicality. Addison is a player that needs room to operate and if you can get the ball to him in the open field, this is where he can excel.
As I previously mentioned, Addison was an incredibly productive player. He played in 35 career games, with the Pitt Panthers and USC during his senior year. He recorded 219 career receptions, with 3,130 yards and 29 touchdowns.
The numbers are somewhat inflated by his incredible sophomore year with Pittsburgh, where he produced 100 receptions, 1,593 yards, and 17 touchdowns, which earned him the Biletnikoff Award, for the nation’s top receiver.
Despite the physical limitations, many scouts project him well at the NFL level as a prototypical slot receiver.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
If NFL teams truly draft based on the best player available, there is no way Bijan Robinson will be available at 26 for the Dallas Cowboys. I think teams draft more based on best value and not best player, which is the only way Robinson falls to the Cowboys.
Robinson is 5’11” and weighs 215 pounds and recorded a 40-time of 4.46. He’s a perfect blend of size and speed with many saying he is a “generational” talent. I know the Cowboys have Tony Pollard, but I don’t see Cowboys owner Jerry Jones passing on Robinson.
Next Gen Stats gives Robinson an athleticism score of 85, the second-highest score of all running backs from the NFL Combine.
Robinson had three 2,000 yards seasons in high school and came into the college recruiting as one of the top high school recruits and now leaves the college ranks as one of the top NFL recruits.
If there is a knock on his game, it’s two things. One being improving his pass protection and the other being more decisive in his cuts. At times he is looking for that homerun, while that can work in college, NFL defenses are too fast. He’ll need to learn to plant and go, taking what defenses give him and the home runs will be there.
27. Buffalo Bills: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Bills organization seems confident in current right tackle Spencer Brown; however, you can never have too many legit starting offensive linemen and if you watched the playoffs, the Bills need to improve the line and protect their franchise quarterback. Harrison is 6’4″ and weighs 315 pounds.
If things work out with Brown, then perhaps Harrison could slide inside to guard or even push Dion Dawkins and maybe Dawkins move inside. Maybe the Bills move Harrison inside at guard, where he might be better suited due to his average athleticism. He struggles with speed rushers as well, so inside at guard might be a better option.
Anton Harrison played almost exclusively at left tackle for the Oklahoma Sooners, so if a team is considering him at guard, there could be a little bit of a learning curve initially. Most scouting sites have him listed as the second-best pass protector in the draft, behind only Peter Skoronski; however, his run-blocking needs work.
Throughout his collegiate career, he surrendered only four sacks, including just one last season in 862 snaps, which also included only eight total pressures and no quarterback hits. Harrison would be a great fit in Buffalo and gives them flexibility down the road as Dawkins ages and as a backup plan to Brown.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
I struggled with the previous pick with the Bills, where I considered tight end Michael Mayer but ultimately decided the offensive tackle filled a bigger need, which made Mayer available to the Cincinnati Bengals at 28. I couldn’t pass up on Mayer again.
Mayer by some, is considered a can’t-miss prospect in the NFL. He brings athleticism, and pass-catching ability, and can block as well. He’s essentially the total package. He was even nicknamed “Baby Gronk” but most say the better comparison is to that of the Ravens’ tight end, Mark Andrews, or former Cowboy, Jason Witten.
If the Bengals get a player comparable to either of them, paired with the trio of wide receivers and Joe Burrow, their offense would be on another level than what we’ve seen in the last couple of years.
Mayer played three seasons with Notre Dame, playing 36 games, compiling 180 receptions, 2,099 yards, and 18 touchdowns. Not only was he highly productive in the passing game, but he’s also an asset in the blocking game, whether that be pass protection or run blocking.
29. New Orleans Saints: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
This NFL Draft is full of talented offensive line talent, considered to be one of the deeper positions in this year’s rookies. Depending on who you ask, Broderick Jones is the third or fourth-best tackle in the draft. Seems he and Anton Harrison flip back and forth in rankings.
Jones scored an impressive 85 athleticism score based on Next Gen Stats, the second-best score among tackles at the combine. He’s 6’5″ and weighs 311 pounds and even at 300+, still ran a sub 5.0 forty time.
Jones didn’t play a ton at Georgia, so lacks some experience, playing in only 26 games, totaling only 1,264 snaps, over 800 of those coming last year as the full-time starting left tackle. As a starting tackle, he gave up only eight total pressures, one quarterback hit, and no sacks. He was also an Associated Press All-SEC First-Team selection.
With limited experience, Jones struggles a little more in run blocking than pass protection. With more experience and coaching, he could become equally dominant and anchor a team’s left tackle position for years to come.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
The crop of 2023 wide receivers all seem to be of the smaller variety, while the bigger receivers are seen later in the draft. Is this a result of the wide-open college game being a better fit for the smaller, shiftier receivers and; therefore, being more productive? I don’t know but Josh Downs falls into this category, coming in at 5’9″ and weighing 171 pounds.
The Philadelphia Eagles already have A.J. Browns and DeVonta Smith but adding another dynamic weapon like Downs will only make their offense that much more explosive and this seems to be the direction of the league these days.
Downs recorded a 40-time of 4.48 and Next Gen Stats scored him with an athleticism score of 77, 19th among all combine wide receivers. As you might imagine, Downs projects as a slot receiver at the next level, where he’ll be able to utilize his open-field abilities to make plays.
His route running, while not elite, is effective but some concerns with a lack of discipline in his routes, which can be coached and improved. He was ultra-productive at North Carolina, compiling 202 receptions (all but seven of those came in his final two seasons), 2,483 yards, and 22 touchdowns.
Also of note, during his final season at North Caroline, Downs caught more than 72 percent of his contested catches and 754 yards came after the catch, which was third best in the country.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Dawand Jones is a mountain of a man, weighing 374 pounds at 6’8″, he brings elite size and length to the tackle position; however, limited athleticism makes him better suited on the right side, which is where he played for the
Either way, the Kansas City Chiefs lost tackle Orlando Brown to the Cincinnati Bengals and could be looking for a replacement. Not many in the NFL are going to overpower Jones but he does struggle with quicker rushes, particularly with inside counter moves.
Jones has also struggled with penalties the last couple of seasons, committing a staggering 16 calls against him during that span. Despite that and the limited time at left tackle, teams will want to try him there and see if he can develop, given his size.
Despite some of the limitations, he did not allow a single sack all of the 2022 season in 419 pass block plays. Additionally, he’s incredibly powerful in run blocking, pushing defenders out of the way, creating massive rush lanes.